Drills are an essential part of any toolbox, whether you’re a DIY home improvement kind of person or a trade professional! A drill can be a versatile and effective tool for a wide variety of purposes, including making holes, tightening or loosening screws, or even chiselling! It can be used on a variety of different materials and surfaces for many different tasks. However, with such a massive range of drills available, it’s vital to choose the right one for you!
When buying power tools in Sydney, you’ve probably noticed that there is no shortage of drill types, all from different makes and brands. So, how can we choose the drill that’s perfect for us and our needs? This article is going to be your one-stop guide to choosing the perfect drill! We’ll consider the all-important questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to choosing a drill and explain the different drill types. Plus, I’ll tell you about some of my favourite drill brands!
So, if you’re looking to buy a new drill, then by the end of this blog post, you’ll know exactly which one to look for! Let’s get started!
What Are You Using It For?
The first thing you need to do when thinking about buying a drill is to work out what you are actually going to be using it for! Different drills are designed for specific purposes.
For example, the power and torque can vary greatly between models, so if you are tackling heavy-duty tasks like drilling into thick wood or concrete, you need a drill with higher torque and power. If you are going to be using the drill on a variety of different materials, like metal, plastic or wood, you might want to choose a drill that has multiple speeds and power levels.
When you know what you intend to use it for, you can choose a drill that is best suited for you.
Do You Need A Screwdriver?
You’ll also want to decide if you need a screwdriving function on your drill. If you think you will need one, it’s best to look for a drill with a variable speed or torque control. It’s also good to make sure it's reversible as well, so you can remove screws as well as tighten them!
Cordless Or Corded?
When deciding between a corded or cordless drill, weighing the advantages and limitations of each to align with your specific needs is essential. Corded drills, powered by an electrical outlet, offer continuous, reliable power, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks that demand sustained performance! They are generally more powerful than their cordless counterparts and are preferred for tasks like drilling through tough materials or prolonged use.
On the other hand, cordless drills, powered by rechargeable batteries, provide unmatched portability, allowing you to work in locations without easy access to power outlets! They are excellent for tasks that require mobility and versatility, making them popular for household repairs and DIY projects.
When deciding whether to go with a corded or cordless drill, consider the nature of your projects and your preferred working environment. If you anticipate long hours of continuous use and require maximum power, a corded drill might be the better choice. Conversely, a cordless drill could be more suitable if you value flexibility, convenience, and the ability to move freely between different job sites.
Additionally, battery technology advancements have significantly improved cordless drills' power and runtime, making them a great choice for various tasks. Ultimately, the decision between corded and cordless drills hinges on the specific demands of your projects and your preferred balance between power and portability!
Different Drill Types
Drills come in various types, each tailored to specific applications, making it crucial to choose the right tool for the job. Let’s consider a few of the different types and see which one suits you!
Hammer drills, equipped with a pulsating mechanism, are designed for masonry work, effectively boring into concrete or brick. If you plan on doing a lot of masonry work, then this could be the right drill for you! There is also the option of choosing an SDS hammer drill, which is a type of rotary hammer drill that uses a special chuck and bit retention system called SDS (Slotted Drive System). SDS drills are commonly used for heavy-duty drilling in concrete, brick, and masonry materials. The SDS system allows for quick and easy changes of drill bits without the need for additional tools.
Impact drivers, with their high torque and quick bursts of rotational force, excel at driving screws and bolts with efficiency. Or, if you’re looking for a drill for precision tasks, a right-angle drill proves invaluable in tight spaces where standard drills struggle to manoeuvre.
Auger drills specialise in digging large, deep holes, while rotary hammer drills combine hammering and drilling actions for heavy-duty masonry tasks. The diversity of drill types ensures that there is an optimal tool for every project, enhancing efficiency, precision, and overall project success!
My Recommended Brands
So, hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what kind of drill you are looking for, let me share some of my favourite brands with you! Whenever I shop at the tool store near me, there are some brands that I always gravitate towards.
Festool is a very popular brand in Sydney that I love. It’s a German brand whose tools are well-known for their precision, power, and outstanding durability. Although they are a bit more pricey, if you expect to use your tools a lot and want them to last, then Festool is a good choice, with a warranty that can save you a lot of money on tool repairs!
I’m also partial to Milwaukee tools because of their reliable, durable, comfortable and powerful range of tools! They’re also a bit cheaper than Festool if you’re looking for something with a smaller price tag.